Last week was all about experiments in my small kitchen. We ditched our usual menu and went in for fast food right in the comfort of our home and repeated the leftovers on impulse hunger-strikes. It was a relaxed stress-free week to say the least and I kept my research on many world cuisines going strong - learning tricks online to make a good chowmein, pizza crust, lebanese falafels, thai curries to all incorporate into my Indian genes! Today I am bringing to you a fusion of Indian food with America's favorite sloppy joes...because once in a while I just love to surprise myself.
Anyone who grew up in India would know that minced meat stir-fry is a kind of comfort food that would probably intrigue every meat eater. Packed in the tiffin for school/office lunch, carried with chapatis for long train journeys and innumerable times relished over a weekend are the times to treasure and remember. A heaping serving on a plate with bread at the side evoke a sense of mom's cooking. However, a staple in every non-vegetarian home, especially Muslims, the dish grace not only homes but dainty dhabas and canteens too. It is so easy to make at home and a regular in my kitchen, that I haven't braced myself yet to find it on the streets of Dubai. Though I think Ravi, Karachi Darbar and Delhi Darbar may do a decent job; but I despise when this kind of a straightforward dish is loaded with whole spices. Specifically, kheema remains one of my favorite dinner option which I can trust on anyday. All it takes is a few minutes of watching and stirring; and leaving it to cook on its own in a pressure cooker without demanding too much attention. Don't I love these kind of easy meals, eh?
Kheema fry is also so versatile, it can be turned into something different just by using few tricks here and there. Serve it with a sunny side up on top and it transforms into a hearty brunch. Grill them into sandwiches for the tiffin. Stuffing inside a samosa and deep frying will make for a snack on the go. Or use the leftovers to make an exuberant sloppy joes for that lazy dinner. Just follow your taste and you'll be creating many new dishes on the whim.
I have used burger buns in the recipe, however why not serve these sloppy joes in a slider form - cute little miniature burgers served in groups will make for an amazing week night party, or an easy munch- on snack for extra ordinary celebrations!
Here's to simple weeknight treat!
Desi Sloppy Joes - Minced Meat Burger Buns
Ingredients :
For minced meat stir fry:- Minced meat - 350 gms, washed and drained
- Onions - 3, sliced
- Tomato - 1, chopped
- Fresh ginger - 1 tbsp, grated
- Fresh garlic - 1 tbsp, grated
- Red chilli powder - 1 tbsp (adjust to your level of comfort)
- Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
- Cooking oil - 2 tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Burger buns - 6
- Butter - 2 tbsp
- Garlic or usual mayo - as required
- Lettuce leaves - 3, washed and chopped
- White onion - 1, cut in rings
Method :
In a pressure cooker or a wok, heat oil until it turns hot. Saute onions with ginger and garlic till translucent. Add the spices and cook till it starts to release the flavors. Add in tomatoes, minced meat and salt. Stir to combine until the meat sizzles and turn brown. Cook the meat on medium low heat to evaporate the water, but still keeping it moist. Meanwhile, slice the buns in half and roast them in a pan smeared with butter. To assemble, place shredded lettuce on top of the bottom bun, drizzle some mayo, scoop meat mixture and add onion rings on top. Close off with top part of the bun and serve immediately.
If you ever try making these sloppy joes, use #thoughtsoverchai and tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to see your creations xx
